FIXING A FROZEN CABIN. NO SKILLS. THE STAIRS TO LOFT

I am renovating the interior of this cabin and I am doing it with very little experience. This is the first major upgrade. I am building a stairway to the loft and I am about to make a bunch of mistakes. But the end result is pretty darn slick. If renovations are your thing, follow me as I pick away at this cabin in need of major work.

[@VIPetz]

I wish somebody would love me as much as you love wood stoves.

[@louismadrigal5718]

Great idea for a shirt actually

[@abc-ym8nt]

hahahaha...love your comment!!!!!

[@jacquelenbialozynski6671]

Not bad!

[@terryattewell5842]

I would love a wood stove also in those extreme temps

[@meggarbutt2828]

😅

[@billywhizz7928]

Nice salvage work with the stairs. Personally I'd put a block under each step on the outside string as well for added strength.

[@NordicAdvRider]

Yes I agree. There will be to much pressure on the screws itself. I hope he reconsider and add block under each step otherwise an accident might happen

[@nicholasburk4075]

Yes 100% will need a block on the outside stringer... Those steps are going to crack.... Also most screws don't have high sheer strength so might want to use some carriage bolts or lags in the wall

[@carl87gt]

I agree. Many screws are not rated for shear so I think blocks on both sides would be a good call.

[@rockycvs3]

Agreed.

[@kelleyhowe2518]

Second that

[@thomasdwinell8811]

Kind of same story. Covid hit and my wife and I decided to change it up and get outside our comfort zone. Never really ever swung a hammer in my life. Bought 10 acres of raw land in Vermont and started clearing a building. Weekend Warriors. 3 years later we have built a 12x24 main cabin, 10x12 guest cabin and a 12x12 A Frame along with a ton of side projects. This summer we are building a Tree House livable cabin on the back 40 of our land for the Grand Kids to hang out and sleep at. 100% taught on You Tube and channels like yours. Keep up the great work and keep inspiring 60 year old people like myself and my wife that want to push the boundaries of our comfort level and experience new challenges.

[@marywalker2896]

Wow wonderful job well done. Do h have a you tube channel???

[@JT725U14.VEGASNV]

Many many congrats to you and your wife for all you have accomplished!!🎉😅😊you sound like a pro now!

[@marywalker2896]

I subscribed. I am not a guy but a 73 year old grandmama and I love your content. Keep it up!! I enjoyed it immensely. Love your blogs. God bless stay warm.

[@susanhamilton1822]

74 1/2 old lady here. :)

[@KennyHiggins-jo9sc]

I've done construction and maintenance my whole career, which was 40 + years, and I think you've done pretty darn good on those stairs. Love the videos, keep up the good work.

[@donaldlembo1263]

The Northern Lights are so beautiful. Thanks for including them.

[@mikeparker3865]

Hi Jay. Follow the comment on blocking the other side of the stairs. The downward weight will overwhelm the screws after a while. Also, to save yourself time measuring for distance/spacing and plumb, make a 4 inch wide block of wood with all sides parallel and square. When your first post is plumb, use the spacer block and you won't have to measure everytime on each spindle.

[@northernprairiegramma647]

Never be afraid to make mistakes. That’s the best teacher! Thrilled you’re doing it.

[@SHINSPIKES]

Ever since you bought this cabin, I've been waiting to see you fix it up. I wanna see you finish it to whatever it is that makes you happy. Don't just think its a cabin, make it better, the way you want it. Just like how you took your time on the stairs. In the end, you'll be much happier. Who cares if others disagree with you. Also, I like it when you stay out at the cabin longer.

[@jaylegere]

Thanks, Shinspikes. I am really hoping that in the end this cabin just feels like it's always been mine. Jay

[@meda103]

Once you sat on you stairs for the first time and let out that big sigh for the job well done, gave me so much joy. I love everything about this. Keep it up!

[@jaylegere]

Thanks, Meda!

[@sandratweedale2579]

I really enjoy all your videos. Closing in on 200 g’s who’d a thunk it J? Please keep up the efforts. Lots of us really appreciate everything you’re doing. And you’re so genuine. Wish for more good times together. Thanks for your hard work doing these videos

[@jaylegere]

Thanks, Sandra. It's definitely been a grind at times. But, it's been rewarding beyond belief making these videos and being in the woods.

[@patbeaudoin4237]

Nice job on the stairs Jay and those northern lights were beautiful.I really enjoy these cabin videos. 🙂🇨🇦👍

[@geroldknoebel3836]

Jay, there will always be another way to design and build something. You have chosen a good way, why burn good material when you can reuse it. Sure, if you completely redesign and build a cabin, you can plan some things differently. What do you want to do differently other than adapt something. You don't have to win a beauty contest, it has to work and that's exactly what you've done. Nice videos from you and I envy you for the beautiful nature in Canada. Greetings from Frankfurt.

[@ld200A]

Having these videos to look back on will be priceless. To see how much you accomplished will give you that much more confidence to continue making videos to share with us that we all enjoy so much. Cant wait.

[@jaylegere]

I think you are right about this Id200A. Thanks for the comment. Jay

[@thetcmiller]

Really rewarding watching you knock those stairs out. Love watching the cabin slowly transform. Great video!

[@jaylegere]

Thanks so much

[@VA3WFT]

This is exactly the kind of video I was looking forward to when you got the cabin. Keep at it!

[@jaylegere]

Yes! Me too. More to come.

[@yannfournier8649]

Nice work, love your videos, 1 thing, the matches box, to close of your stove, 1 spark and no more cabin. Keep up the good work.

[@jaylegere]

Good suggestion

[@Rhythm911]

As Yoda says, "There is no can, can't or try... there is only do." 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Brian.B-]

Jay, Keep up the great work. Three suggestions. 1. Blocks on both sides of the stairs. 2. A tip up and frozen minnows. 3. A five gallon bucket of a light colored latex paint would make the cabin much brighter.

[@jaylegere]

Love the suggestions, Brian. Blocks and minnows coming up for sure. The exterior is still YTBD.

[@Brian.B-]

@@jaylegere I should have specified the paint would be for the interior.

[@janevalentine6391]

Good idea to paint the interior!

[@denniswink1721]

The food you are cooking, makes my mouth water. I also like how you are teaching yourself , as you go along.

[@barbaradionne7768]

Jay, you make me laugh so much. I have 2 sons and they overbuild everything too. A 400 lb gorilla could go up those stairs and they wouldn’t budge an inch. I love this series. You are accomplishing so much and the quality of the filming is spectacular. Carry on. 🇨🇦❤️👍

[@jaylegere]

Thanks so much for this comment, Barbara. I certainly enjoy working with the camera gear.

[@ThomasHannigan-nw4oc]

Just a tip for the stairs or any future project. Once you get the first stringer cut to fit, you use it as a template for the other stringer, that way they're identical. Saves you a lot of time measuring and cutting the second stringer. Same with the railing posts. cut the angles on the top and bottom, then use it as the railing post template. cut the posts one after the other. Saves a lot of wood waste and time. One more piece of advice. Put the tread support blocks on the other side of the stairs. After repeatedly going up and down the stairs, the screws will eventually break through the treads causing you more work and expense. The bowed piece of wood, would have straightened out as you screwed it into the treads, so you could have used it. lay that piece of wood on a flat surface weighted down. The bow will straighten out. It's a good piece of wood, not to waste. So after all of that Monday morning quarterbacking, they came out pretty good for a first time stair build!

[@Andrew-ep4kw]

Excellent advice. I was thinking the lack of backing blocks on the outside stringer might be troublesome, and you explained why. That said, he was working with a lack of knowledge and still did a pretty good job.

[@ThomasHannigan-nw4oc]

The stair case still came out really good for a first time.

[@WillieScott-fw4wi]

I think you did a damn good job to be honest with you keep up the good work you learn as you go😊

[@flipwarrior]

I love how you are showing people what can be done by pretty much anyone, as long as they’re willing to learn and put in the work and have the determination to see it through. I wish you luck in your renovation of this wonderful cabin, and I look forward to seeing your progress.

[@TempyBuilds]

I would rebuild the stairs using the good wood , hello new sub here from wales

[@cassandrahoward8325]

Great job on in the stairs and they blend well with the rest of the cabins interior ❤your videos ❤

[@user-ej1xb8fi5v]

You are doing a large-scale challenge.🏠 I was surprised.😮 And I look forward to seeing your future.⛄️

[@user-ye4ef4mt3o]

Hi Jay Sure have a lot of snow. Definitely put blocks on the outside stringer because screws into end grain will not stay tight. Like your videos.

[@jaylegere]

Agreed. I will be doing the blocks on the other side.

[@adalineproulx9773]

Cool meal idea with the kraft dinner! Making this this weekend for our picky eater kids 😂

[@facilitiesmanager8222]

Not easy working by yourself. Your doing a great job. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@jaylegere]

My pleasure.

[@juditate111]

Good work on the stairs. I love your determination to get things done right. No worries, I am with you to the end on this cabin. Stay safe and warm.

[@ColtonFromTexas]

How on earth are people watching this content and not subscribing? Come on people! It costs nothing to sub and Jay works hard for us to enjoy these videos. Cheers to everyone.

[@jaylegere]

Thanks, Colton! Love the support. Jay

[@famasmaster2000]

Jay, my hat goes off to you my friend. I think you did a hell of a job on the stairs, they look great and work perfectly, great job !!!

[@jaylegere]

Thanks, Famasmaster. I hope all is well with you. Jay

[@margaretgood580]

I am so glad you fixed up a new staircase, that step ladder was way too dangerous 👌 and a very good job you did to... a hand rail will make it perfect..❤

[@andrewwatson7379]

Jay, you really are the highlight of my KZbin video reel..... your adventures are inspiring and I look forward to seeing the next posting.... thank you

[@jaylegere]

Thanks for this comment Andrew

[@OffGridBackcountryAdventures]

Good stuff, Jay! Looks like you're well on your way to bringing the cabin up to speed. LOTS of work to do this stuff! In my world, I completely underestimated the amount of time it would take me to transform raw land into a homestead. Making good progress but it's been slow going as I'm doing everything by hand. I figured by not using heavy machinery, my place will have more of a rustic look to it. The road I cut through my entire property by hand was an a$$kicker but I'm really pleased with the way things are turning out. Have a great start to the week! ~ Brian & Meadow

[@jaylegere]

Thanks, Brian. You are definitely the real deal. BTW, your new dog is beautiful.

[@jadedeyes5286]

I enjoy your videos . I wish I was younger I would to do what you are doing .👏👏👏👏

[@captaindj9790]

I love the feeling of accomplishment. I learn as I go and do not measure well. I take longer with projects because of Crohn disease. So when things go against me I think finishing something meaningful, purposeful, I just feels so good. I e had to learn to smell the roses as I go. To tell myself it’s ok not to hurry. Thank you for your videos. It’s encouraging

[@kyleloew432]

Robertson drive is the best, never slips out, we use it in all our scaffolding builds, awesome to see you using these.

[@kathleenperdue9753]

I love your positive attitude about things & your willingness to try new things. God bless you 🙏🤗

[@roybm3124]

Really nice work on the stairs, KZbin is so useful for this kind of jobs!

[@dolorestroeller4734]

I don’t laugh easy. But there is something about your wit and laugh that cracks me up😂 Let’s see if I CANT get me another one of them 😂

[@esiebert7625]

Stairs and railing looks great, get yourself a good set of clamps, they are invaluable when working alone as an extra set of hands.

[@brad9745]

I ain't no carpenter but that staircase looks amazing and most important functional ...

[@jaylegere]

Thanks Brad.

[@quinnabun1173]

I could so very well easy sit in a chair with that beautiful cosy fire 🔥 going on and look out that night time window forever at those amazing Arora lights& be happy for the rest of my days.❤All the way from New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@user-kf9fv1qj9u]

Great job building your railing Jay

[@davidsradioroom9678]

I have already subscribed. I get my cabin and camping thrills through you. Thanks for the videos.

[@jaylegere]

Right on. More thrills to come David. Jay

[@brandongill5376]

I absolutely love the cabin renovation videos. This is a dream of mine which may never occur so I’m living vicariously through you. I cannot wait to see your vision come to life. I also cannot wait for you to pull a big pike and cook it up!

[@crowtubecrozier2857]

Love your philosophy on can or can't lol. I believe it should be Can!

[@Lissa-eh5bg]

Love watching your videos. Cabin is good looking. We had a dry cabin in northern Wisconsin when I was a kid. It was on a beautiful small lake. Only a couple of cabins there. This was in the 1950's, i miss it now. Can't wait to see what you do next. Peace Love Happiness 💖

[@Jukeboxkcnsd]

J, that was amazing video really enjoyed it. And your stairs and railing look just beautiful God bless you and your family.

[@jorgediaz1544]

Proud of you man...keep up the good work!

[@shaanbae6096]

I like the cabin renovations. 👏. You’ll be at 500k subs in no time 😎

[@terryattewell5842]

Awesome content as usual Jay. I love that you admit that you are green regarding carpentry work and ask Jerry for help. It is so great that you are a down to earth guy, one of us. I still can't believe how much food you can devour at each sitting.....LOL. Keep up the enjoyable videos!! I look forward to the next one.

[@serzhdyubro8083]

The skills are not a problem, you will get the skills if you have a big wish to renovate this cabin. So, good luck and don't be afraid to make the mistakes!

[@snotina]

LOVE these types of videos! They give me motivation that I can do/try anything. Look forward to following progress. 🇨🇦

[@jaylegere]

You can do anything.

[@user-kf9fv1qj9u]

Good luck renovating your cabin Jay

[@gaptastic]

I like the combination of 6x2 and 2x2. looks great!

[@Judy-fi7ce]

The northern lights were so pretty. Good job on the stairs. Much better than a ladder and safer. The chicken stew looked great. I live in the states and I always say "Let's see if we CAN," do this or that. "Can't" just never made sense to me either.

[@dougkaylor2528]

NOT PICKING but slow your jig down, not so much of a lift, let it rest, give it a rattle, just enough to shake your bait , bounce bait off bottom to create dust pool in water to simulate a dying fish or bait on the bottom, pike or other game fish will pick that up and come over to investigate. repeat... good job Jay

[@marktaylor8263]

Jay, this was a super productive trip. Northern lights showed out. The stair project was great. The food was awesome. Sometimes, those fish have lockjaw, lol. Hoping you might try some snares in the future for those snow shoe hares. Again, fantastic trip. 👍👍👍

[@williamsimmons8927]

watching since you unpacked and pitched the tent before the plywood, enjoy your adventures thanks for taking us along.

[@jaylegere]

Thanks for watching and supporting the channel for so long, William. Jay

[@clinkert483]

Don't be so hard on yourself Jay! You cared way more than the person who made those original and you resurrected did. Never forget without failure you can't learn so always try bud

[@hollyp6395]

Hi there! Once again you are in my happy place. An awesome video, love seeing the progress with the cabin. And definitely looking forward to you getting a trail cam to catch all the critters that come by. The footage of the stars in the sky..... I would be watching that view for hours. So peaceful and no light pollution to kill the beauty all around you. Take care and I will be patiently waiting for the next adventure. 🙂

[@jaylegere]

Hi Holly. It's great seeing a comment from you. I hope all is well. Jay

[@dougkaylor2528]

one spark and all your matches go up in flames and most likely burn down your cabin...at least leave them in the box, good job with the stairs...just think how much warmer you will be sleeping in the loft.

[@jaylegere]

Yep, others are saying the same thing. I think I'll be moving it first thing when I go back.

[@bonniewaugh5279]

Leave the matches in the box. Slide the box into the opening and slide open the cover so matches can be seen in the tray. Safety first after all they are called Safety Matches. Also with all that ice you need to research building an ICE House and cut ice blocks and store for summer use at your cabin. Old timers did that and it worked for them. Love watching from Kentucky.

[@annettemccall3175]

Come on peeps! Let's get Jay's numbers up! Another great one Jay. ❤

[@daughterofgodcarolv8411]

Jay you've accomplished so much more than what I'm capable of. I hope to be able to build something at some point. You're doing a great job! And those Northern Lights.... breathtaking! I hope to see them in person one day

[@gaylalaeupple5101]

Love seeing the Northern lights. Thanks.

[@jaylegere]

Me too. Thanks for commenting and watching. Jay

[@eki2730]

SO calming and cozy, the best video ❤❤❤❤

[@mayberry1965]

Never have I ever ... seen canola oil (from your previous video) and now Rum, freeze. Lol Love the oven attatched to your wood stove. What a great way to bake up some yummy breads and desserts. Looking forward to seeing your progress on the cabin. Watching from the Great Lakes state in the USA !!!

[@deannabeauvais8088]

You for sure do a great job, so for not having experience..be proud of yourself. If it were me, I would do hinge stairs that could be up against the walls during the day to maximize the space and brought down at night when it's time to go to bed. I love the idea of off-grid living, and maybe one day it will happen and thus is one thing I will do. Wish you luck, stay safe, and catch you on the next one.

[@robertvogel9900]

Jay I still love the videos wish I could leave N.Y. and give you a hand excellent work.

[@jakkimacneill1957]

For a first attempt at a staircase...your doing a great job.....well done

[@karlsomers1145]

Keep doing what you do Jay👍love it!

[@johnbowse4693]

The holy trinity of burger condiments. Fritos also. Well done my frozen man. Well done.

[@user-dx8dt1wr9n]

Another brilliant video Jay . Love from Caroline Butler from UK ❤

[@jaylegere]

Hi Caroline. Thanks for commenting. Jay

[@lionelgardiner4838]

Love your show.. can’t wait for the next upload..

[@MegaRetr]

Hey I really enjoy all your videos😊

[@davea1771]

First rate job on the construction project. Awesome view of the northern lights through the front windows too. Next time say "Let's go fishing!", that way you 'succeed' whether you catch a fish or not.

[@jaylegere]

Thanks, Dave. It's quite the view.

[@briansmallwood2103]

You’re not the Newfie I know, fishing line on a stick, perfect. Love it

[@jaylegere]

Can't beat line on a stick! ha

[@stevegamm2724]

I appreciate your honesty about your lack of construction skills. I thought I was the only one in that shape! You are doing great work. Thanks!

[@garyrieck629]

I really enjoyed this!

[@sharoncaputo9125]

Good job on the stairs....love the northern light display

[@jaylegere]

Thank you

[@walterlamb4756]

Great job Jay! 4” spacing is air that’s required by code. Starting at the bottom with the first upright in place, use a 4”spacer working your way to the top. That way they’ll all be the same! Just a suggestion. I read in another comment that a cleat under the outer edge of the tread is an excellent comment for safety! Good job, and good luck!!!

[@aprilgeib9253]

Definitely go with option 2 on the steps to the loft!!!! We love watching you. I/we think this would be your best bet!!!!

[@user-pd3vg3nn3y]

Hi Jay the stairs and Railings looks Awesome Amazing Beautiful it looks it belongs there 👍😊

[@leonbrouns9890]

The job with the stairs could have been done way easier and cheaper. However, you are authentic. I love it.

[@SJC49]

If you’re going to say that please explain how?

[@ravenscroftholly1296]

Holy crap i have worked construction for 20 years.... You can never go into old construction thinking anything willl be level!!!!! You did great 👌.... Work with what you have you will be good! Nice job

[@4seasonpursuits724]

Jay, thanks for sharing your journey… the challenges, the food, the activities and experiences are enjoyable to watch. Cheers!

[@chiapagringa]

Very interesting video. Your stairs look great, and I like the alternating wide and slim spindles.

[@Doreen_FaithL]

I am a Registered Nurse from northeast Pennsylvania, USA. I love watching your videos!! Great job on the stairs. Also, love your cooking…I actually went out and bought a cast iron frying pan😊😊 It is commendable how you challenge yourself-makes for great content!

[@craighoffmann112]

Level is across and plum is up and down just for your information, great job!

[@lillypad9960]

Great job, sir. It give the cabin a sense of permanence. Blessings from Michigan.

[@HeidiAckermann]

Great content and fantastic job, Jay! Thank you. 😁

[@supergayization]

Great job Jay, Thanks again for the video.

[@dandou9682]

Realy good job on the stairs...

[@user-nq9yo1ih1w]

The 2x4 under the treads you did on the wall side, you also need to do on the outside runner as well.

[@kenkolb920]

Love the northern lights!

[@user-kf9fv1qj9u]

Great video Jay

[@traceyforsyth8840]

See if you can ! 😊 anyway great job on the staircase well done you it looks so nice x